I have owned both. The CF-X is clearly better than the Hydra, the Hydra is muffled and dull against the CF-X. You might like the Hydra as long as you don't compare it to the CF-X. Be careful that the CF-X you would get is at least the 700 series, as the older models are not as good as the newer models. Word has it that the 1600.00 Audio Magic Stealth conditioner is better than the CF-X
